Flexible labeling for changing occupancy

Labeling leaves processes unchanged

The flow racks were fitted with 390 self-adhesive label holders with replaceable, printed insert labels - ONK supplied 3,510 for this purpose. This allows the areas to be flexibly adapted for products with a low turnover rate. © Stroetmann

When ONK marked the storage locations in the storage racks, the same storage location system was used as at the old location. "For our employees, this has the advantage that nothing has changed in the way they work, as the processes are the same," explains Dennis Kerkenhoff, Project Management Logistics/Sustainability.

The new storage location labeling, which contains barcodes, check digits and information about the storage location (aisle, shelf bay, level), enables proper storage and retrieval. Stroetmann followed ONK's recommendation for the labeling of the loading gates, tours and storage locations in the block storage area and also adopted the solutions at other warehouse locations.

The aisles of the 35 rows of pallet racking have multiple signs attached to steel spirals. The almost 8,200 PP film labels attached to the rack levels are labeled with a barcode that is scanned during the storage process. Directional arrows indicate the exact storage location for each item: on the top, ninth level it points upwards, on all other levels it points downwards. This is supplemented by a check digit for voice picking ("pick-by-voice"), with which the picker confirms the correct storage location or the correctly picked goods.

The flow racks, in turn, were fitted with 390 self-adhesive label holders with dust protection edge with replaceable, printed insert labels - ONK supplied 3,510 for this purpose. "These shelves are used to store various fresh products, usually with a low turnover rate, for which a different shelf or block storage location would be uneconomical. With the help of the interchangeable labels, the shelves can be adapted as required if the space is increased or reduced," says Kerkenhoff.

Hanging signs in tetrahedron shape

Tetrahedron-shaped signs, clearly visible from all sides, are used to mark parking spaces for pallets, trolleys and MW crates as well as recycling and waste collection points in the indoor area. © Stroetmann

In the 12-metre-high hall of the block storage facility, 144 signs were suspended from the hall ceiling. Compared to floor-mounted signs, the suspended signs are visible from all directions and cannot be damaged. On the recommendation of ONK, Stroetmann decided to use signs with three sides - so-called tetrahedrons - made of six-perforated PP honeycomb core board, because they are clearly visible from all sides. They are used to mark parking spaces for pallets, trolleys and MW crates as well as recycling and waste collection points.

1,500 meters of floor markings

The floor markings in the fresh produce center were also carried out by ONK. A two-component paint in traffic yellow and white was used to mark driveways, footpaths and block storage areas - a total of around 1,500 linear meters. The markings are sealed for longer durability. Several meters of colour-coated zebra stripes and yellow-black hatched floor markings with a clear lacquer coating, including for restricted areas, complete the markings on the floor.

Inside, there are also door signs made of hard foam, numbered from "01" to "30". The numbering on the exterior signs made of an aluminum composite material with UV protective coating for gates and the workshop is in the red color of the company group.

Fewer stock transfer processes

By adapting the warehouse organization, the new fresh produce center has significantly fewer stock transfers, which were previously necessary due to the lower capacity of the old warehouse. In addition, new lithium-ion battery-powered industrial trucks were purchased, which can transport three roll containers at the same time.

All of the clearers have also received a mobile industrial truck. "This significantly increases the efficiency of the new location and also reduces the workload for our employees," says Kerkenhoff, taking stock: "We received various samples from ONK for labeling during the planning phase and tested them. We are very satisfied with the new labeling solutions and the installation in our fresh food warehouse."